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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Habitat Management

    Habitat is the place where a plant or animal is naturally found. Improving habitats in and around waterways results in healthier, more diverse aquatic communities benefitting those of us who enjoy Pennsylvania's water resources and the organisms that call them home.

    Volunteers making habitat crates

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission works to improve habitat in a variety of ways. The Commission's Division of Habitat Management assists sportsmen and conservation groups on projects to improve fish habitat in local lakes and streams; coordinates the removal of dams and other blockages to natural fish movement; and provides technical guidance on designing riparian buffers.

    The public can contact the Division of Habitat Management by emailing RA-FBHABITATMGMT@pa.gov.

    Lake Habitat

    The Lake Habitat Section aims to bring about positive change by improving the structure in lakes and impoundments.

    Lake Habitat
    Spruce Creek with streambank habitat improvement installed.

    Stream Habitat

    The placement of artificial habitat structures can often enhance stream reaches that lack naturally occurring habitat features.

    Stream Habitat
    Staff and volunteers building porcupine boxes at Pymatuning

    Habitat Management Programs

    Two PFBC programs dedicated to various partners to manage habitat improvement projects in commonwealth lakes and impoundments.

    Habitat Management Programs

    Riparian Buffer Guidelines

    Establishment and/or preservation of vegetated buffer zones along waters of the Commonwealth

    Riparian Buffer Guidelines